Go Back

One Pan Tex Mex Chicken and Rice

Try this One Pan Tex Mex Chicken and Rice for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken, bold spices, rice, beans, and melted cheese—all in one skillet!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Protein & Base
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil divided
  • Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
Grains & Spices
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Liquids & Canned Ingredients
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cans 10 oz each diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels canned, drained, or frozen/thawed
Cheese
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded

Method
 

Step 1: Brown the Chicken
  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken and sauté for about 5 minutes until golden.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
  1. Push chicken and onions to the side.
  2. Add remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil and uncooked rice.
  3. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Add Spices
  1. Mix everything together, then sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
  2. Stir to coat and toast spices for about 30 seconds.
Step 5: Simmer with Liquids
  1. Pour in chicken broth, canned tomatoes with juices, black beans, and corn.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  3. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
  1. Remove skillet from heat.
  2. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let melt for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Fluff gently with a fork.
  2. Serve with toppings like sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges.